International Congress and Convention Association How to compete

International Congress and Convention Association How to compete for the ICCRM Eimear Dunne Dublin Convention Bureau 12 th European ICCRM Date: Friday, 23 rd June 2006 iccaworld. com

Dublin Convention Bureau – About Us § Established 2003 by; Dublin Tourism Irish Hotel Federation Dublin City Council Association of Irish Professional Conference Organisers. § Membership funded – currently approx 120 members § 3 staff: Jean Evans, CEO Eimear Dunne, Business Development Manager Donna Brogan, Business Development Coordinator § Board of Directors representing all interests of business tourism suppliers § Core target sectors; - Association Conferences - International Meetings: Internal and External Meetings

Dublin Convention Bureau • Mission: To promote Dublin as a Business Tourism destination by creating awareness of its advantages and offering solutions that meet the needs of clients and members. • Vision: A dynamic, can-do convention bureau with a strong membership base that successfully positions Dublin as a top 10 European destination. • Positioning: We are positioning Dublin as an accessible destination with an excellent accommodation and service infrastructure. The DCB is promoting Dublin as a knowledge capital and a vibrant, dynamic, cultural and an exciting city to visit. In doing this we also portray Ireland as an excellent country in which to do business, thereby promoting Dublin and Ireland as a place in which to invest.

DCB guidelines for submitting bids • • • Know yourself/your organisation Know your product Know your suppliers Know what client wants Know how to present bid to best suit client’s wishes • Know what your destination’s ‘X factor’ is

Dublin SWOT Analysis Strengths Weaknesses • Easy access • No tax back/VAT on F&B • English speaking • No National Convention Centre • Euro zone • Shortage of large banqueting facilities • Irish welcome • No financial incentives to offer potential clients • Experienced conference industry • Large number of smaller hotels • Internationally branded hotels • Limited direct air access • Traffic • Good range of products • Good average size of hotels Opportunities Threats • Safe destination • Increased competition • National Convention Centre • Perceived as expensive destination • Increasing number of women & older delegates • National Convention Centre not being built in time to harness business • Shorter meetings/incentives • Global instability • Profile as city break destination • Slow economic recovery • World leader in technology/communications • Travel safety concerns

Initial reasons why we wanted the 13 th ICCRM to come to Dublin • Understood association, believed Dublin could meet ICCA’s objectives for this event • Active member of ICCA, CEO on board of UK & I chapter • ICCA has never held an event in Dublin • Obvious fit with our strengths; accessibility from Europe social/networking aspect well developed and experienced conference industry • Relatively young CB – success would help build our profile in the industry • Success would also promote Dublin to our peers – put us on the business tourism map

Team Dublin • DCB-led bid with strong support from the industry • ‘Dream team’ included Bravo Group, Citywest Hotel, Conference, Leisure & Golf Resort, Guinness Storehouse, Aer Lingus and Failte Ireland • Excellent sponsorship secured • Dublin wanted the 13 th ICCRM and actively pursued it in a focused, co-ordinated manner

Factors considered by ICCA in destination selection • Bid compliance • Overall quality of the bid • Level of support/evidence of teamwork from ICCA members in the bidding city • Value for money – ICCA perspective • Value for money – delegate perspective

Our bid document

Our bid document • Presented in accordance with ICCA requirements • Clear and easy to understand • Transparency • Exact costings and details of sponsorship secured • Outlined value for money for delegate • Detailed excellent facilities available for meeting • Described appeal of social venues • Demonstrated our commitment to ICCA through UK & I chapter activities • Supported by letters of endorsement from ICCA members – Advantage ICO, Bravo Group, Failte Ireland, Citywest Hotel, Conference Partners, Crowne Plaza Dublin Airport, Jigsaw Management, Ovation, Platinum One, Ultimate Communications

Our marketing support for 13 th ICCRM • Attendance at 12 th ICCRM as speaker & to promote Dublin at closing session • PR – press release issued this week • Sponsorship • Constant promotion over coming year through press releases, ezines, DCB website, trade shows • Collaborate with ICCA through their website, announcements, ezines

Our ‘X factor’ • Dublin’s destination appeal which is primarily based on intangibles such as; - our céad míle fáilte - our easygoing and fun loving people - our lifestyle or ‘craic’ (good times) - our ability to put people at their ease - our city’s combination of modern and traditional • Dublin attracts high attendance rates due to its destination appeal

13 th ICCRM Dublin 1 st Announcement

Highlights of 13 th ICCRM Dublin • Strong educational programme • Excellent networking opportunities in unique settings such as: - Citywest Hotel & Conference Centre – venue for 13 th ICCRM and welcome dinner - Johnnie Fox’s in the Dublin mountains - Guinness Storehouse • Experience the welcome, the warmth and the fun that Dublin is renowned for • Great opportunity to extend your visit

Factors contributing to our successful bid • Research • Understanding of client’s needs and objectives for the event • Desire to build long term, ongoing relationship with the client and demonstration of same • Pro-active, professional and integrated approach • High level of teamwork, enthusiasm/commitment and support from local industry • Dublin represents good value for money • Dublin’s destination appeal

International Congress and Convention Association Thank you! How to compete for the ICCRM Eimear Dunne Dublin Convention Bureau 12 th European ICCRM Date: Friday, 23 rd June 2006 iccaworld. com